Growing Garlic

Allium sativum : Amaryllidaceae / the onion family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P    

(Best months for growing Garlic in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant cloves

September: Garlic can overwinter. Cover with a good layer of mulch . In areas where frost persists into March/ April, expect to harvest your garlic in June/July.

October: Garlic can overwinter. Cover with a good layer of mulch . In areas where frost persists into March/ April, expect to harvest your garlic in June/July.

  • Easy to grow. Plant cloves. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 4 - 5 inches apart
  • Harvest in 17-25 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beets, Carrots, Cucumbers, Dill, Tomatoes, Parsnips
  • Avoid growing close to: Asparagus, Beans, Brassicas, Peas, Potatoes

Your comments and tips

27 Nov 16, Mary (Australia - temperate climate)
Lambrina, I think you'd be wasting your garlic to plant them now at end of year. They need about 7 months to grow and you'll be expecting them to finish their season in Winter - it won't be pretty! For temperate, plant by end April and you'll be harvesting Nov/Dec. I am able to use horse/cow manure on my garlic bed about 4 weeks before planting and the garlic loves it. Had my best garlic harvest 2 days ago. good luck. Mary
20 Sep 16, Maria (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I am passionate of growing my own garlic ,this Year is my third Year of growing garlic, I started with a dozen now I have 300 ,I had Good crop last Year but this year I had a bit concern on my garlic, the cloves are splitting and sprouting and growing back, I dont know what to do ,shall I harvest immature or Live until they are mature which I have to wait for another 8 weeks.your advice would be much appreciated .Thank You .
12 Aug 16, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi RayShort answer - nope. Though there is a school of thought that phases of the moon does impact planting... plant anything that crops above ground during or just before full moon, the opposite for root crops. Think of the influence the moon has on the oceans (tides) and you're on the right track. Personally it's a little too far for me ( in every sense).
05 Aug 16, ray (Australia - tropical climate)
Is it true you must plant garlic during the time of a full moon, would be interested to hear any comment. Thanks in advance. Ray
09 May 16, Anna Lasiuk (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi ,is it ok to plant purple garlic in a pot? Also do I need to keep it protected from frost and what should I feed it? We live in South Hobart Tasmania and the soil is clay Thank you Anna
01 May 16, Glennis Leary (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I grow garlic in Kununurra WA and what variety ios most suitable. Thanks
26 Apr 16, Rosa (Australia - temperate climate)
I have not had much success with growing garlic, last year they when harvested most of them were rotten. So how much water does it need? If planted in the some rectangular bed with beans or peas how far should it be? Thanks
07 Nov 16, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Rosa, the article states not to grow with beans maybe that is why you are having trouble growing garlic
05 Oct 16, Jayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes I am having the same problem this year
26 Apr 16, Vincent (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Hi. Thanks for the information. I have grown garlic on raised beds, and the plants look fine. I want to know if they will withstand a tropical sun or I will have to shield them with a sunscreen. Plants are a month old, and the weather is on the shift from 5he rainy humid season to the dry and sunny season.
Showing 241 - 250 of 577 comments

I have just purchased some garlic which is sprouting shoots. As it is december in Brisbane, is there any point in planting these cloves?

- Keith Moses

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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